Western Loire

Golf breaks around Western Loire

Just over the border from Brittany this region boasts some deservedly well-known courses which are a surprisingly easy drive from our Channel ports. La Baule has two championship courses and a nine hole, with the popular beach resort just down the road. The magical castle and lake at La Bretesche has drawn golfers for many years, whilst south of the Loire is the exceptional mix of links and forest at St Jean de Monts, or the resort course at Port Bourgenay. Pornic, Olonnes, Fontenelles and Domangère provide a further mix of seaside and parkland challenges.

Après golf

The resorts of La Baule and the Vendée coast provide plenty of après golf diversions during the season, whilst the city of Nantes is well worth a visit if you're feeling over-golfed.

The following itineraries provide a variety of golf all within an easy drive from our arrival ports. They are just examples, and we are happy to tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements.

Prices shown are per person based on 4 travelling together in a standard car, sharing a cabin and twin rooms. All subject to availability. Insurance not included. Terms and Conditions apply.

Course and hotel information featured in these golf breaks

Golf de Pornic

Ref: FGL005

Located at the heart of a bustling seaside resort is Golf de Pornic. This 18 hole course has plenty of variety on offer, with wide undulating fairways, water hazards and some very well-defended greens. With its seaside location, this course has a holiday atmosphere throughout the year.

Golf Club St Jean de Monts

Ref: FGL004

The course at St Jean de Monts offers wonderful, contrasting golf. The front 9 run through thick pine forest with tight fairways, whilst the back 9 offers pure links golf with several holes running along the coast. In our opinion it is undoubtedly one of the best courses in western France.

Our opinion: A must play course. Fantastic fun! Favourite Hole: 5th.

Golf des Fontenelles

Ref: FGL008

Just north of Les Sables d'Olonne and not far from St Jean de Monts is Golf des Fontenelles. This course winds its way through established woods encompassing many water hazards as it blends into the marshland. The course is suitable for all abilities with a welcoming clubhouse.

Golf des Olonnes

Ref: FGL007

Situated at Olonne sur Mer, Golf des Olonnes enjoys an exceptional location with fantastic panoramic views. With lovely stretches of water, this attractive course is surrounded by the natural countryside of the Vendée bocage and is suitable for all standards of golfer.

Our opinion: A very pleasant course. Favourite Hole: 17th.

Golf de Port Bourgenay

Ref: FGL006

Located on the seafront overlooking the marina is Golf de Port Bourgenay. An American style layout with one of the best locations in Western France, it offers many challenging holes and is suitable for golfers of all levels. As well as a fine clubhouse, the complex also offers sailing, swimming and tennis on site.

Golf de la Domangère

Ref: FGL010

First to be built in the Vendée, Golf de la Domangère is a hidden gem offering a challenge for golfers of any level. The course is dominated by water hazards, often having to cross water twice before finding the green. The well-appointed clubhouse is located within a fine 18th century building.

Our opinion: Another gem worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 17th.

Golf International Barrière La Baule

Ref: FGL001

West of Nantes, in the Brière national park is Golf International Barrière La Baule, boasting two 18 hole championship courses and a nine hole layout, making 45 in total. Since being revamped and expanded, this fantastic course has played host to the French Open so some holes offer the chance to follow in the footsteps of Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros. The thatched roofed clubhouse overlooks an outdoor swimming pool.

Our opinion: Many world stars have played here. A great course - follow in their footsteps! Favourite Hole: 18th.

Golf de la Bretesche

Ref: FGL003

Golf de la Bretesche is a must visit when in Western Loire or South Brittany, offering a spectacular setting and a course in immaculate condition. The focal point is the fairytale château and lake, with holes skirting around the estate and fairways lined with colourful hydrangeas and rhododendrons. After your round relax in the stone clubhouse or maybe the hotel, all in tastefully converted outbuildings of the old estate.

Golf Nantes Vigneux

Ref: FGL009

Designed by English architect Frank Pennick, this is a testing course, criss-crossed by the river Cens. It sits in 130 acres of spectacular parkland around the Château de Buron and the only sound you will hear is the birds and the wind in the 100 year old trees. This is a tactical course and keeping the ball in play is vital; the long hitters will be keeping the drivers in the bag. You will have a warm welcome in the friendly clubhouse which boasts a good restaurant overlooking the terrace.

Our opinion: An excellent course worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 11th.

Golf de Savenay

Ref: FGL002

Between Nantes and St Nazaire is Golf de Savenay, a pleasant course on the edge of the Brière marshes and close to the beaches of La Baule. With varied terrain, chestnut woods, open valleys and water hazards this picturesque golf course is well worth playing.

Our opinion: A real gem worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 10th.

Hotel Atlantic Thalasso, St Jean de Monts***

Ref: HF2915

The Atlantic Thalasso hotel is 300m from a lovely beach and overlooks the golf course in the family-friendly resort of St Jean de Monts. It has spacious bedrooms all with king size bed and balcony, free Wi-Fi, a gastronomic restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool plus direct access to the water therapy centre where guests can use the seawater pool heated to 32°, the sauna, steam room and gym. This popular resort has everything including a lively promenade, children's beach clubs, boutiques, bars and restaurants plus a cool pine forest for shaded walks and cycling.

Hotel les Roches Noires, Les Sables d'Olonne***

Ref: HF0805

The popular resort of Les Sables d'Olonne on the Atlantic coast has a fantastic long sandy beach and promenade and its many attractions include children's clubs, a very good zoo and horse racing plus, of course, good bars and restaurants. It is also home to the Vendée Globe, a prestigious round the world yacht race so it is not surprising that it also offers a wide range of water sports too. The chic Roches Noires faces the beach in the resort centre and has pleasant air-conditioned bedrooms with complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, attentive, friendly staff, free Wi-Fi and a breakfast room which has lovely views overlooking the sea. Free public parking nearby.

Hotel Mercure Majestic, La Baule****

Ref: HF1817

La Baule's claim to fame is having the longest beach in Europe so sun worshippers will not be disappointed. This lively seaside resort is packed with entertainment and diversions and is a perfect place for long walks, tennis or a round of golf as well as having chic shops, smart restaurants and vibrant bars. In a superb setting right on the seafront, close to the casino and seawater therapy centre, this traditional resort hotel has spacious, air-conditioned rooms, modern decor, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant with panoramic views over the bay. Hotel parking approx. 12 euros/night.